Embedded Files
Overarching Theme for 6th Grade:
Art Exploration
Students will explore the arts through a variety of mediums, engaging in hands-on experiences that encourage creativity, experimentation, and personal expression. Throughout the semester, they will be encouraged to find meaningful connections between themselves and the artistic process. The course will culminate in a final "statement piece"—a mobile-style artwork that reflects each student's individual journey, growth, and discoveries made during the semester.
Printmaking
Elements of Art Landscape Paintings: value, space, texture, lightsource, and form
Pottery artifacts from Chaco Canyon, Sgraffito style black and white patterns
Mural of Chaco Canyon and Chimney Rock
Paper mache birds
Contour Line self portraits
Chaco Canyon Mural
Chaco Canyon Mural
For this project, students visited the ruins of Chaco Canyon, in order to understand the adaptations of the ancient Chacoans and how these adaptations allowed them to survive in their environment. They then created this large mural that represents important elements of this culture. It combines Chiney Rock, which had important spiritual connections to these people, the farming they of the three sisters, petroglyphs in the rock, and their ancient homes. 30 students worked together to design and create this mural, from start to finish.
Sgraffito Pottery
Sgraffito Pottery
For this project, students created pottery inspired by the pottery pieces in Chaco Canyon. They hand built their pottery, using a coil method, and then used sgraffito (scratching off an underglaze) to create the traditional designs of Chaco Canyon.
Adaptations of the First Americans
Adaptations of the First Americans
Project Overview
This mural project asked students to work in groups to learn about the home styles, weaponry, arts and crafts and climate of the original native groups in their assigned region. From there, students worked together to create murals that represent each of these elements to display at exhibition. Afterwards, these murals became a permanent fixture in the school.
Leaning Target
"I can collaborate with my peers to create a mural that accurately represents the geologic layers and the homes of Native American groups, using research, artistic techniques, and historical context to visually communicate the connection between land and culture."
Aztec or Incan Artifact
Aztec or Incan Artifact
Project Overview
In this project, 6th grade students explored the rise and fall of ancient civilizations by researching symbolic imagery from either the Aztec or Incan cultures. After selecting a meaningful symbol, such as one representing a deity, natural force, or cultural belief, students analyzed its historical and cultural significance. Using their research as a foundation, students then designed and constructed a 3D sculpture of the symbol using materials such as cardboard, papier-mâché, and paint. The final sculpture reflects both the visual qualities of the chosen civilization and the deeper meaning behind the symbol, connecting artistic expression to the broader themes of power, belief systems, and societal change.
Leaning Target
"I can research and interpret the meaning of an Aztec or Incan symbol and use that understanding to design and create a 3D sculpture that reflects the cultural values and artistic style of the civilization."
3D Space Artwork
3D Space Artwork
Project Overview
In this project, 6th grade students explored scientific concepts related to space by choosing a specific topic, such as solar eclipses, the phases of the moon, planetary scale and distance, or constellations, and representing it through 3D paper art. Students began by researching their chosen topic to understand its scientific significance and visual characteristics. Then, using folding, cutting, layering, and construction techniques, they created a three-dimensional paper sculpture that visually communicates what they learned. This project combined creativity with science, allowing students to express complex space concepts through thoughtful artistic design.
Leaning Target
"I can research a space-related topic and use paper sculpting techniques to create a 3D artwork that visually communicates scientific ideas in a creative and accurate way. "
Passport Project
Passport Project
Project Overview
Pack your bags, grab your camera and get ready to explore the world! In this unit, students are tasked with "visiting" 6 countries, across 6 continents. They created a passport in which they researched the art styles, iconography, materials etc. that are common in their country. Their research served as their boarding pass, allowing them to get on the plane, and begin creating. They then made a unique piece of art from each country they visited, demonstrating the techniques and/or subjects that are popular. They were asked to reflect on their art once they finished. The final step was to "go through customs," demonstrating that they have done all their research to get a stamp on their passport, and to move onto the next country.
Learning Objective
"I can analyze and appreciate artworks from various countries, recognizing cultural influences and artistic techniques that contribute to their uniqueness."
Visual Art Standards Met
Visual Art Standards Met
Analyzing artworks from different countries.
Identifying cultural elements and influences in the art.
Recognizing and describing various artistic techniques used in the artworks.
Demonstrating an understanding of the importance of cultural diversity in art.
Pottery
Pottery
Project Overview
In this project, students will learn the basics of wheel-thrown pottery, exploring the technical skills and creative possibilities of working on the pottery wheel. Students will learn how to center clay, form basic shapes, and create a simple vessel or bowl, emphasizing both technique and personal expression. This hands-on project will introduce students to the historical and cultural significance of pottery-making while developing their skills in 3D art.
Learning Target
“I can create a three-dimensional ceramic piece on the pottery wheel, using centering, shaping, and glazing techniques to develop my skills and express my creative ideas.”
Impressionist Paintings
Impressionist Paintings
Project Overview
In this unit, students learned about impressionist artists such as monet and van gogh, and why their art was so revolutionary for its time. They then created their own impressionist work, using what they learned in class about color and value.
Learning Target
“I can describe and discuss the general characteristics of impressionism and what made it an important invention in the art work, using this information to create my own painting.”
Famous Artwork Reimagined
Famous Artwork Reimagined
Learning Target
"I can create an art piece that combine specific elements such as the style, techniques, posing, etc. of my chosen famous artwork with my own interests, in order to reimagine the original artist’s work."
Visual Arts Standards Met
2.1 Envision and Critique to Reflect: Interpret meaning and evaluate works of visual art and design recognizing diverse points of view.
1.2 Observe and Learn to Comprehend: Compare art from various historical, contemporary and cultural sources.
Planet Project
Planet Project
Project Overview
For 6th grade's science exhibition, each student was assigned a planet. They learned about their assigned planet, and in art class, they created an image of their planet. After discussing the use of color and shading in order to create dimension, students created their final artwork, to display at exhibition.
Learning Objective
"I can demonstrate openness in trying new ideas, materials, methods, and approaches in making works of art and design."
Color Scheme Project
Color Scheme Project
Project Overview
For this project, 6th graders studied color and how it affects the mood of an art piece. Students discussed how certain colors can send different messages within an art piece. They learned about different color schemes, from monochromatic, analogous, to triad, etc. and chose one for their art piece.
Learning Target
"I can interpret art by distinguishing between relevant and non-relevant information and analyzing subject matter, characteristics of color and use of media to identify ideas and mood conveyed."
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